Lake Bluff Honey Bee Farm
···
Saturday Farmers Market
Growers Season (May-October): D-Shed
Holiday Season (November - December) : C-Shed
Winter Season (January- April) : C-Shed
Products: Local Honey & Produce
···
Lake Bluff Honey Bee Farm: A Sweet Story of Hard Work, Family, and Community at the CNY Regional Market
At the CNY Regional Market, there's a vendor whose story is as sweet as the honey they sell. Lake Bluff Honey Bee Farm, run by José and Lia, is not just a family business – it's a passion project that started with a simple book about bees and blossomed into a thriving farm that nurtures over 125 colonies of honeybees. The farm’s journey began back in 2014, when Lia brought home a book about bees from the library, sparking José’s fascination with these remarkable creatures. Little did they know that this newfound interest would lead them to a bustling honey business, with roots deeply planted in the local community.
From Bees to Bottles: The Journey of Lake Bluff Honey
José, a skilled woodworker, took matters into his own hands and built their first hives and frames. By the end of that first season, they were already managing 20 colonies. The following year, after harvesting their first batch of honey, they decided to bring their products to market. Syracuse was the natural choice, and in 2015, they started selling their honey at local farmers’ markets.
Today, their business has grown exponentially. José, Lia, and their two youngest sons, Andrew and Ben, manage more than 125 honeybee colonies, producing a wide variety of honey types. What makes Lake Bluff Honey Farm stand out is the careful attention they give to the bees' forage and seasonal changes. The flavor of their honey varies depending on what the bees are feeding on, ensuring that each jar of honey is a reflection of nature's changing landscape.
A Family Affair: Building More Than a Business
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Lake Bluff Honey Farm is the way the entire family is involved in the business. José and Lia are joined by their sons Andrew and Ben, who help with everything from loading trucks to bottling the honey. Their sons also help sell the honey and interact with customers at the CNY Regional Market. It’s a true family operation, with everyone playing a role in ensuring the business runs smoothly.
A typical market day for José and his team starts early – really early. Andrew or Lia typically arrive with José at the market by 2:30 a.m. to set up their large stand. The market doesn’t officially open until 7 a.m., but by 6 a.m., there’s already a steady stream of customers eager to get their hands on the fresh honey. With the help of 3-4 employees, they set up and manage the stand, often unloading two box trucks full of honey and produce. After a long day, the family returns home, enjoys a well-deserved lunch (often accompanied by a glass of Merlot), and winds down with a peaceful nap.
A Business Built on Relationships
While the hard work and dedication of José and his family are clear, what truly sets Lake Bluff Honey Farm apart is their commitment to their customers. "We love our customers, it’s so much more than a place to make money," José says with a smile. This attitude is evident in the way they interact with their customers, always placing a priority on making each person feel valued and appreciated.
Lia echoes this sentiment: “We want you to enjoy coming here, and we want you to come back.” This customer-first approach has led to an impressive 90% repeat customer rate, a testament to the farm’s ability to build long-lasting relationships within the community. Their customers aren’t just buyers – they’re friends and neighbors, and they return week after week to support a business that cares about them.
Quality, Care, and Community
At Lake Bluff Honey Farm, quality isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a commitment. José, Lia, Andrew, and Ben work tirelessly to ensure that every jar of honey they sell is of the highest quality, made with care and respect for the bees that produce it. From their hive management to the final product on the shelf, every step is carefully thought out to provide their customers with the best possible experience.
But beyond the honey itself, it’s their genuine care for people that keeps customers coming back year after year. Whether you're a long-time customer or a first-time visitor, you'll find a warm welcome and a delicious jar of honey at Lake Bluff Honey Farm.
So, next time you’re at the CNY Regional Market, stop by their stand, say hello to José and Lia, and taste the difference that a true family business makes. The honey is sweet, but the experience is even sweeter.
Lake Bluff Honey Farm is a shining example of how passion, hard work, and a focus on community can create something truly special. Whether you're a regular market-goer or just discovering their products, it's clear that José, Lia, and their family are dedicated to sharing the sweetness of life, one jar of honey at a time.
